GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Mich. — Authorities have identified the man suspected in a deadly mass shooting and arson attack at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as Thomas Jacob Sanford, a 40-year-old resident of Burton and a former U.S. Marine. Officials say the assault has left the quiet township reeling, as investigators continue to piece together what led to such unimaginable violence.
The incident unfolded on Sunday morning, when worshippers had gathered for services at the church. According to law enforcement, Sanford entered the building armed with multiple firearms and began shooting indiscriminately at congregants. Witnesses described scenes of panic as people scrambled for cover, many unsure if they would make it out alive.
Moments later, flames were reported inside the church. Authorities confirmed that Sanford deliberately set parts of the building ablaze during the attack, creating a catastrophic dual threat of gunfire and fire. Emergency crews arriving on scene had to split resources, battling both the blaze and the chaos inside.
Law enforcement quickly coordinated with firefighters and medical responders, who worked frantically to save lives. Victims were rushed from the sanctuary, some suffering from gunshot wounds while others battled smoke inhalation and burns. Officials have not released the exact number of fatalities, but confirmed that multiple people were killed in the violence.
Sanford fled the church following the rampage, but police launched a rapid manhunt that led them to his residence in Burton. The home, located on Atherton Road, was surrounded by heavily armed units as investigators executed a search warrant. Authorities cordoned off the property, seeking weapons, explosives, or other evidence tied to the attack.
Neighbors reported being stunned by the sudden influx of police and tactical teams. Many described the neighborhood as usually quiet and said they had no idea Sanford was capable of such brutality. Investigators revealed that Sanford’s background as a former Marine is part of the ongoing probe into what may have motivated his actions.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether Sanford was struggling with personal, financial, or mental health issues, but sources close to the investigation say they are reviewing his digital communications and prior behavior for warning signs. They are also working to determine if he acted alone or had assistance.
The attack has left the community of Grand Blanc Township in deep shock. Vigils are being planned at local parks and churches, where residents are gathering to mourn the lives lost and support those still fighting for survival in hospitals across the county. Leaders emphasized unity in the face of tragedy, calling the incident “a wound that will take years to heal.”
The church building itself was left heavily damaged, with fire inspectors warning it may not be structurally sound. Parishioners who once considered the sanctuary a place of safety and peace are now left grappling with grief and disbelief as they look upon the charred remains.
As prosecutors prepare charges that could include capital murder, arson, and terrorism-related offenses, authorities have vowed a full and transparent investigation. For Grand Blanc Township, the rampage represents one of the darkest chapters in its history, a day of worship transformed into a tragedy that will forever scar the community.